Guide #014: How to create a framework for conducting design research

When embarking on research for a design project, it’s always best to work within a cross-functional team with people from various backgrounds. The more diverse outlooks you have on your team, the more aspects of the problem you can consider, and the more you can analyze the data.

While formulating your problem statements, identify what data will flow in or out of your design solution. Ask what data you will have access to. Identify what data can be collected and how the collected data is going to be used. Look at existing data to see what’s missing. Make a list of what you want to learn. This will help your team see multiple sides of the problem and provide a clearer path to what needs to be addressed first, second, third, etc., to solve the problem. When prioritizing, also incorporate a reality check. Discuss the feasibility of ideas and weigh the benefits of an idea against how hard it might be to realize.

If a problem statement requires solid numbers like performance data to arrive at a solution, consider quantitative research methods. If you want to test a design solution based on a theory or hypothesis, quantitative is the preferred method. If a problem statement requires you to learn more about user reactions, or to uncover what’s behind a certain level of frustration, then look at qualitative research methods. If you want to understand how you might make an experience better, then qualitative research is the most useful approach.

Define competitors by identifying who has addressed the problems you're trying to solve. You can start with direct competitors of a similar size or customer base, but push beyond this group to learn from companies outside of your industry, geography, etc. Browse community Slack channels, Facebook groups and my personal favorite, Twitter and Instagram hashtag searches to investigate how people talk about the products and experiences you’re interested in.